Significant network integration has to take place for these territories since Alltel operated a CDMA based wireless network and AT&T operates a GSM version. AT&T estimates the transition will take about 12 months. Current customers will continue to use their existing service until the transition is complete, at which time they’ll have to select a ‘new comparable device,’ which AT&T says will be offered at no additional charge.

Of course that offer will not extend to new smartphones, including the iPhone. Or as AT&T politely puts it customers “may also choose an upgraded handset from AT&T’s exciting lineup of industry-leading devices.” Looks like AT&T just got another million or so customers to try to upsell an iPhone to.